Category: Belgium
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Discontinuing the A1 certificate for business travellers and most short-term business activities
The European Union has eliminated the A1 certificate requirement for short-term business travel, reducing bureaucracy as planned by the commission. This reform addresses outdated regulations while maintaining the A1 certificate for the construction sector due to its complex social protection issues, signaling progress toward enhancing free movement in the EU.
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Belgian shops can stay open every day
Belgium will allow shops to remain open until 21 h daily and eliminate the mandatory weekly 24-hour closure to compete with online retailers. While not all shops will extend their hours, the changes aim to support retailers feeling disadvantaged by online competition, as outlined by Minister Eléonore Simonet.
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King Philipp led domestic trade mission
King Philippe conducted a two-day mission to enhance economic ties between Flanders and Wallonia amid global uncertainty. Organized by Voka and AKT, the event included 40 business leaders and visits to firms in sectors like biopharma and defence. Concurrently, Brussels region announced the closure of 14 international trade offices to…
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Wero life in Belgium
Wero, a new European payment solution, enables over 50 million users to pay Belgian merchants online using phone numbers or email addresses. Launched after Germany, it aims to provide a sovereign alternative to global payment systems. Supported by 16 banks, Wero will expand to France and Luxembourg by 2026, enhancing…
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Trump tariffs cost Belgian tech firms 1 500 jobs and €70m in investment
The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have significantly impacted Belgium’s tech sector, resulting in a loss of 1,500 jobs and €70 million in investments over the last year. The overall economic toll is estimated at €2 billion, especially affecting SMEs as firms reconsider supply chains and investment strategies amid…
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Salon Foodspecialiteiten 2026
The “Vakbeurs Foodspecialiteiten,” held in Gorinchem, Netherlands, from September 14-15, 2026, unites professionals in the food specialties sector to enhance customer relationships and showcase products. The Dutch market, characterized by a young population and high urbanization, favors sustainable foods, robust retail, and emerging trends like dark stores and subscription models.